How to Grow Yin Yang Beans

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Yin yang beans receive their name from their black and white coloring, which resembles the symbol for yin and yang. Also known as orca or calypso beans, they are an easy backyard crop that can grow in any of the Bay Area’s varied microclimates. For example, gardeners in warmer parts of San Francisco County can plant yin yang beans most of the year; in cooler Santa Clara County, planting season runs from April through July. These compact bush bean plants grow up to 2 feet high and prefer well-drained soil with full sun exposure.

1

Till the soil in a sunny area and work a 2-inch layer of compost into the soil to increase drainage and provide nutrients. Test the soil and, if necessary, add sphagnum peat or ammonium sulfate to lower the pH level, or limestone to raise the pH level to 5.5 to 6.5. Add 1 cup of low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, per 10 row feet. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer, which results in heavy foliage with little or no bean production.

2

Plant yin yang beans in rows 2 feet apart when the soil temperature is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant the beans 1 inch deep and 2 to 4 inches apart. The bean plants should emerge in eight to 16 days and will mature within 75 days.

3

Water the yin yang beans lightly and keep the soil moist. To prevent rust-colored fungus spots, do not allow the leaves to become wet. During drought periods, you can supply up to 1/4 inch of water every day to prevent the soil from drying out. Add a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and protect the plant’s shallow root system.

4

Pull up weeds as they emerge around the bean plants. Be careful not to damage young bean plants.

5

Allow yin yang beans to dry on the plant, and harvest the beans when most of the leaves have turned yellow. Do not water the bean plants while the beans are drying. Dig up the plant and move it to a sheltered location if the weather is rainy. In dry, sunny weather, the beans should be dried within three to four weeks.

Things You Will Need

Soil tiller

Compost

Soil test kit

Soil pH modifier

5-10-10 fertilizer

Spade

Mulch

Tip

To provide a continuous supply of yin yang beans, plant beans every two weeks.

Warnings

To prevent the spread of fungus diseases, avoid crowding your bean plants and remove dead plants at the end of the growing season. Every four years, plant a different type of crop, such as leafy greens or root vegetables, in the planting site.

Young bean plants are susceptible to severe damage from insects including bean weevils, which eat the bean pod and beans. The University of California Integrated Pest Management Program recommends destroying plants after harvest to prevent infestations.

About the Author

Judith Evans has been writing professionally since 2009, specializing in gardening and fitness articles. An avid gardener, Evans has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of New Hampshire, a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School, and a personal trainer certificate from American Fitness Professionals and Associates.